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According to Greek mythology, Zeus was an all powerful god. Zeus is known to use a lightning bolt as a sign of his strength. You may have heard of Zeus’ statue at Olympia, but Zeus’ origin story is not that common. This is the origin story of Zeus.

The statue of Zeus at Olympia was a giant seated statue. It was about 13 meters (43 ft) tall. The statue was made by the Greek sculptor Phidias, around 435 B.C.E.

Before that status was built, legends say that Zeus was conceived by the ruler of the Titans (Cronus) and a women named Rhea. Zeus was born on the mountain Olympus, and this is where most of his story takes place.

Zeus’ father was a strong god, but when Zeus was born Cronus began to worry. He thought that his son would replace him and take over the Titans. So, to prevent this he actively tried to swallow his son.

After this incident Rhea, fearing for her child’s life, enacted a plan to hide Zeus from his father. First, she had to fool Zeus’ father into thinking that everything was normal. She fooled him into thinking that she was swaddling Zeus when actually she was swaddling a stone. Next, she fled to the island of Crete and hid Zeus in a cave. The cave was then guarded by young soldiers.

Zeus lived and grew up to later defeat the Titans, but he wasn’t alone. He was accompanied by his brothers, Hades and Poseidon. Poseidon was ruler of the seas while Hades was ruler of the underworld. Together they defeated the Titans once and for all.

The statue of Zeus at Olympia was erected to honor Zeus. To celebrate him and show respect. The legend of Zeus will live on!